Chattogram, July 18 (CTG Mail):

Police have arrested another suspected member of an organised cybercrime and smuggling network accused of illegally accessing the Chattogram Customs House server to clear large consignments of foreign liquor and cigarettes without paying customs duties.

The arrest was announced during a press briefing held at the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) headquarters on Friday by Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Muhammad Faisal Ahmed.

According to police, the suspect, Sheikh Sejan, 26, a resident of Lohagara upazila in Narail district, was detained on July 15 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Nepal. Immigration police intercepted him before he could leave the country.

Alleged Multi-Crore Smuggling Scheme

Investigators said the organised syndicate attempted to import two containers by falsely declaring the shipments as duty-free bonded textile imports from China.

Police alleged that one container actually carried 11,676 litres of foreign liquor, while another contained 5 million sticks of foreign cigarettes.

Authorities estimate that the operation was designed to evade customs duties worth approximately Tk 100–120 million, resulting in a significant loss of government revenue if successful.

Illegal Access to Customs System

Police said the suspects allegedly created forged Letters of Credit (LCs) and unlawfully accessed the ASYCUDA World customs clearance system operated by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Investigators believe the group manipulated customs records and attempted to complete the clearance process electronically through unauthorised access to the system.

During preliminary questioning, Sheikh Sejan allegedly admitted to providing technical assistance in the operation, including unauthorised access to customs and port servers, using another official’s login credentials, changing passwords, and facilitating fraudulent customs processing.

Police said his statement is consistent with the confession previously given in court by another accused, Ashraf Hossain Raju.

Digital Evidence Under Examination

Investigators said forensic analysis of digital evidence indicates that on May 20, 2024, a mobile internet connection was used to gain unauthorised access to the account of a customs official.

The compromised account was then allegedly used to register and activate an LC linked to the illegal cigarette import.

Police earlier raided Sheikh Sejan’s residence in Narail but failed to locate him. However, officers seized a Samsung smartphone, which investigators believe may have been used to access the ASYCUDA World system and process the fraudulent documentation.

The device is currently undergoing forensic examination.

Previous Cybercrime Cases

Police said Sheikh Sejan has previously been arrested in connection with multiple cybercrime cases involving fake government service websites and forged digital documents.

The allegations include producing counterfeit national identity cards, birth registration certificates, land tax receipts, vaccination certificates, and other government-issued digital records.

According to CMP, he is currently facing seven cybercrime and fraud cases filed at different police stations across the country.

Investigation Continues

Police said seven other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case, including officials of C&F firm Hafez Trading Private Limited and several alleged members of the smuggling network.

Authorities said efforts are continuing to identify and arrest the remaining members of the organised syndicate.